When I was a kid, in science class, we used to soak a chicken bone in vinegar for about a week as an "experiment". The bone would become flexible like rubber. I wonder if wood properties might be affected adversely with certain solvents. I liked the alcohol Idea, especially since it'd dry out faster. Interesting topic, this dye thing.

> Try using a solvent or a mild acid
> (acetic--vinegar) to increase penetration.